Leticia & Shenequa:
Weaving Through Time
2021–2022
Grade Level(s) and Subject(s): 2nd grade and social sciences, writing, literature, craft making, and visual arts.
Big Idea: Weaving brings generations together from all over the world.
Inquiry Question: How can the students weaving baskets be a representation of who they are?
Ms. Shenequa and Ms. Pineda wanted the students to learn more about their culture and families while learning a new craft, basketry weaving. They implemented the inquiry question to the students through research of their family histories, cultures, and document their findings on worksheets. They shared with the students various videos from all over the world such as China, Uganda, Philippines, Senegal, and Tohono O'odham Nation to name a few, of people and cultures weaving baskets. From that the students were able to hear the stories and meaning behind the baskets woven and the various materials you can weave a basket out of.
Tohono O'odham Nation Basketry Weaving Bamboo weaving in China
Uganda basketry weaving with bananas Phillipines basketry weaving with seagrass
After seeing and listening to the various cultures discussed and the use of different materials to weave their baskets with. Ms.Shenequa wanted the students to think about their feelings and begin learning the basics of weaving using paper. See examples below of the students 2D paper baskets and five words describing what the students like to do.
The students learned how to weave a basket using paper plates and different color yarns. By hand they went around and around starting from one end of the bottom of the plate to the top. It was a bit overwhelming for them so Ms. Shenequa and Ms. Pineda reminded them that it's a process and it will take time. After a while they got the hang of it and wanted to add different colors that related back to their story about family and culture.
The student's weaving basket bowls.
The student's Basket Bowls
Ms. Shenequa showed the students similar to their 2D paper baskets how to make it a 3D paper basket using strips of card stock paper and glue. The students were amazed and felt accomplished when seeing the transformation happen before them. They chose colors that expressed a feeling they wanted to express that day. Preparing them for the narrative they will be sharing when making their final baskets.
The students making 3D paper baskets.
The student's 3D baskets
The final stage of weaving a basket the students used cardboard and yarn as the foundation of their baskets. They went in knowing a concept whether it was personal or imaginative and it had to reflect on them and/or family. See what they came up with below. It was fascinating to see the creativity when it came to decorating the baskets how the students wanted. Ms. Shenequa and Ms. Pineda are proud of the students and pleased with the outcome.
In progress baskets
The students final baskets
Ms. Shenequa referenced an image of a paper basket on the left and implemented Ms. Pineda's idea of the french fries assignment. There were a few videos below that shows the stages Ms. Shenequa referenced to accomplish Weaving Through Time Project.
Last year's CAPE project Ms. Shenequa and Ms. Pineda did Textile Me, a fabric art piece the students designed and Ms. Shenequa outsourced to get printed on fabric for them using Pixel Art. Since we were online things were different and we had to think even more outside the box to engage the students.
Anchor Standard 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. VA:Cn10.1.2 - Create works of art about events in home, school, or community life. W2.8: Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
The students incorporated the academic and arts learning standards above in the preparation and process in which they learned how to weave baskets using paper. Ms. Shenequa was intentional about breaking down the making process for the students to truly understand not only the fundamentals of basketry weaving, but to build a concept around why they're weaving a basket. Ms. Pineda wanted them to be able to write their ideas down and reflect on the colors and materials they were weaving with in their journals.
Ms. Shenequa's main concern for the year was how the students interaction with one another socially would be like and their capacity to make. Surprisingly the students were really involved and engaged with the project more over time than she anticipated. The amount of videos showed to them was overwhelming in one sitting for their attention span, but they learned something new which excited them. Most of the students in the class didn't want the project to end and Ms. Shenequa to stop coming during their time together. Ms. Pineda response: Concerns?! I love CAPE and what the artists bring to our schools. The artists are so great to work with. If I had an issue, then I know they will be receptive and make changes if needed. Working for CAPE puts me into a great mood if I was down during the day. I love CAPE, I LOVE what they bring to New Sullivan and I look forward to being able to continue to work with them.
Ms. Shenequa learned that the students were excited and wanted to participate in art class. So she made it her mission to make it fun and engaging for them. Also, she learned that this will be challenging for them because it's a process to make and it wouldn't come easy the first time around. So Ms. Pineda and Ms. Shenequa reminded the students to take their time and it will be worth it in the end. In teaching Ms. Shenequa learned to practice more patience and not to get easily frustrated if they don't get it. Keep trying or think of other ways they can get it or meet them where they're at and that's okay. Ms. Pineda feels the students need more of CAPE. She learned that they need more time where they can be creative and just relax! They also enjoy working with the variety of materials that we bring to them. They just love the CAPE artists, the activities we bring and just being in the program!
WIN_20220506_14_40_26_Pro.mp4WIN_20220506_14_48_13_Pro.mp4Jason Bass (left), Nayeli Lopez (right), Makai (below) interviewed by Ms. Pineda talking about their Weaving Through Time baskets.
WIN_20220505_15_10_45_Pro.mp4